Spirit Halloween
BY: Mark Hancock

Whether you are team #BANGERZ or team “Jesus, take her wheel,” you know who I’m referencing — the now-infamous Miley Cyrus.

Cyrus stomped around during a four-minute VMA performance filled with lots of suggestive booty droppin’, awkward winking and stripping. Post twerking it out, the Internet went wild with screen-grabs of Miley’s butt cheeks and memes of her twerking on everything imaginable.

So if insta-recognition and shock value are the qualifications of costuming this Halloween season, then you’ll be pleased to know it’s an attainable goal.

Spirit Halloween (308 S. Bryant Ave., Edmond; 205-3161) has it covered with a revealing twerkin’ teddy bear outfit or T-shirt if you don’t plan on baring your cheeks (whether they are flabby or toned). Slip your hands in foam party fingers and, of course, a striped twerk suit (Robin Thicke not included).

If old-school Miley, circa Hannah Montana, is more your style, honor the made-by-Disney diva with a blond wig, a glittery jacket and a kiddie microphone.

Maybe a play on the whole wild crew surrounding the Cyrus circus is your aim, or you have other needs for a full-body furry. Hey, it’s Halloween. It’s your party, and you can do what you want. Shop Costume Fun House (4917 NW 23rd St.; 947-5736) for an array of woodland creatures in adult sizes.

Those who consider Halloween-wear a sport can try Queen of Hart’s Costumes and Dancewear (924 24th Ave. SW, Norman; 573-1800). This shop was opened in 2012 by Kris Ocker, costume designer at Sooner Theater for the last four years.

Here, you’ll find a selection of 19th-century dresses, ’80s prom wear and, according to Elizabeth Wheat —
Queen of Hart’s marketing and outreach specialist — “Mod ’60s items are
our most legit costumes.”

Even if a decision hasn’t been made, Wheat said, “So much of the magic happens when we create a look for a customer right on the spot from our collection of costume elements.”

Wheat works directly with clients to help get the look just right. She’s qualified, too.

She relocated to Norman in 2010 from Los Angeles when her husband took a job teaching at the University of Oklahoma. Before Wheat moved, she had the chance to work as a costumer on several shows, including Criminal Minds, My Name is Earl, Jonas Brothers and Scrubs.

If all the twerkin’, hash-tagging and dressing up as anyone but yourself lacks appeal, consider an annual event with a little more heart — An Affair of the Heart, that is. This craft-splosion is the original Pinterest and the perfect time to start holiday shopping.

From 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday-Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, explore the droves of arts, clothes, antiques, gourmet food items and much more at State Fair Park, 3001 General Pershing Blvd.

No matter how you decide to celebrate the holiday season, stay safe and have fun. Let’s shop, OKC!

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